This is Apple's overlording engine at work. you would think that if such a high quality machine encounters such a problem, Apple would get of thier feet to fix it, but no, they just get more of your money if they do nothing. I'm sorry but that's unacceptable. This is why closed systems do not work. You are leashed to the company like a dog once they hook you in and forced to live their ideals. Yes other companies can/are this way as well, but NOT to the degree of Apple. Do not make me bring up the Flash issue.

</end angry rant>

It's a 4 year old laptop. I wish more companies would be like Lenovo when it came to your situation, but the truth is that the vast majorities of companies aren't going to replace a 4 year old battery for free